Dr. Mauk\'s Boomer Blog

Each week, Dr. Mauk shares thoughts relevant to Baby Boomers that are aimed to educate and amuse.

Guest Blog: Multigenerational Living

Ever heard of multigenerational living? It’s a hot topic these days because many seniors are looking for ways to remain independent longer. As more people enter their advanced years, they and their families are faced with difficult decisions of how to provide the best care possible. For seniors hoping to keep their independence, living with family is the next best option to aging at home. Even if your house isn’t big enough to handle more people living in it, there are companies who remodel homes specifically for seniors moving in.

As noted in NYU Professor Eric Klinenberg’s “Aging alone in America,” 33% of American seniors make the decision to remain out of care facilities. With medical progress and healthier living, remaining out of a care home has become more practical than it once was. Among the rest of the world’s population, living with the elderly is more common, but as Americans, we tend to stay separated from our parents once we move out. With the economic downturn of 2008, however, young adults are staying in their parents’ homes longer and older people are moving back in with their children. Seems like we’re becoming more European every day!

Since elder care facilities commonly drain assets, there are obvious cost benefits to bringing your parents to you. Even more importantly than saving money, living at home helps seniors stay healthy by maintaining a routine. Things we take for granted like housekeeping, cooking, or yard work are types of physical and mental exercise that people do not receive in assisted living centers. After years of retirement it’s easy to lose one’s routine. If someone completely loses their routine they can develop what is called aging atrophy, which means increased dependence on those around them. Doing small chores helps combat aging atrophy. Plus, they can perform the cleaning duties or home upkeep you might not have time to do yourself.

Lastly, living in a multigenerational setting allows seniors to maintain control over their environment. At facilities, there is contact with nurses, other residents, and even other residents’ families that cause exposure to illness. Keeping a clean environment at home without strangers around can help ward off sickness. If your loved one begins to require too much care to remain healthy at home, however, you should look into home-health services or other living options. Aging is often associated with making major decisions, but keeping parents close can help reduce stress.

Jacob Edward is the manager of both Prime Medical Alert and Senior Planning in Phoenix, Arizona. Prime Medical Alert allows seniors to stay in their homes longer and sells equipment throughout the country. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys dining out and supporting his alma mater Arizona State’s Sun Devil sports teams. Jacob lives in Tempe, Arizona.

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By Jim|2023-07-31T12:48:34-05:00August 28th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Simple Ways to Find Purpose as you Age

Having a purpose in life impacts its quality regardless of our age. A recently published study on Purpose of Life (PIL) in older adults found that people with purpose experienced fewer disability problems and chronic conditions. PIL is defined as a life with goals, direction, and meaning. People with a high PIL were found to be resilient, healthy and with social support, faith, and good knowledge of health-related matters. Here are some simple ways of keeping these factors in your life as you age.

1. Join an Age-Friendly Gym
Find a gym that has programs for elders. If you don’t know many fitness centers that offer such programs, use an online tool like this facility locator on the International Council of Active Aging website. The map shows the available options in a city by name, number, address, and allowed gender. Next to the name of the center, there are icons to show what type of services they offer. Besides fitness centers, you can use the tool to find other services as well, including recreation centers, retirement living facilities, YMCA, community services, etc. Here are 5 places you can visit to stay in shape and find new friends.

2. Become a Volunteer
Consider becoming one of the many elderly who volunteer. Some popular forms of volunteering include fundraising, teaching, mentoring, and preparing/distributing food. Retired individuals are a good fit for volunteering programs because they come from a variety of businesses and sectors. For instance, your input can be valuable for a fundraiser if you have spent your career in marketing and have a strong connection in the community that takes years to develop. Sites like Volunteer Match list opportunities in a variety of areas and for people of different age groups.

You can also offer your services as a mentor to young people in general or in your field of expertise. For food related jobs, check at your local food banks and at any local food service companies. Volunteering can offer both physical and mental benefits. When choosing a form of volunteering, make sure that it engages you, so you don’t find the work to be tedious and boring.

3. Visit Your Favorite Places
Start signing off the places you have on your travel bucket list. Hit the road, take the plane, rail, or ship. Don’t allow a limited budget to come in your way – look for discounts. A variety of discounts are available, including airfare, dining, clothing, grocery, and entertainment discounts. Here is a list of some of these discounts. Go through them to plan your trip for less. If your travel appliance have gone out of shape, use a home warranty to fix or replace them for free.

4. Learn Something New
Join a class at your library or senior center to stay mentally agile and find people who share the same interests. Check courses at your community college as well. Take a driving course if you feel like your driving skills need a little sharpening. Continue the process of learning.

By Jim|2023-07-31T12:48:11-05:00August 26th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Introduction:

As we age, it’s especially important to dress comfortably. Your clothing should allow you to move freely and be easy to get in and out of—no matter what your day has in store.

The clothing you choose should be comfortable and appropriate:

You should always dress for the occasion, but when you’re older, it’s especially important to choose clothing that makes you feel good. You want to be confident in what you wear and comfortable with how people perceive your appearance. You should always dress appropriately be it your formal dresses or casual ones!

While comfort is key for everyone as we age, it’s especially important for boomers who may have mobility issues or other physical limitations that make dressing difficult. If an item isn’t comfortable enough to wear on its own merits (i.e., without being treated as a “fashion statement”), then it probably won’t look great on anyone no matter how expensive or well-designed it might be!

Look for clothes with easy access to pockets and zippers:

Zippers are easier to use than buttons, so it’s best to look for clothing that has them.
Pockets are important for boomers because they can hold their phones or keys, which makes it easier for them to get around without having to carry a purse or bag all the time.
Pockets can be placed in convenient locations on the body; pockets on shirts (like those used by men) tend to be higher up on the chest area near their shoulder blades while women’s shirts usually have lower pockets located closer towards their waistline so they don’t interfere with their skirts/dresses when sitting down at desks or tables during lunchtime meetings at work!

Pick clothing that is easy to put on:

For those who have difficulty dressing, look for clothing that is easy to put on. Pockets, zippers and hooks are all good options. Consider clothing with a button-down front as well as snaps or Velcro closures. This makes it easier for you to reach the buttons or fasteners without assistance from someone else.

If you’re concerned about keeping your shirt tucked in throughout the day and don’t want to wear suspenders (which can be uncomfortable), try a belt clip instead of suspenders! The belt clip attaches directly onto your pants so there’s no need for an extra strap around your waistline–it simply sits on top of them when worn under jackets/coats etc., but still keeps everything looking neat when worn alone too!

Pair slacks with ankle boots or flats:

Ankle strap boots are more comfortable than heels and flats, whereas, flats are more comfortable than heels.

Heels are not always the best choice for people who have to stand or walk a lot during their day. If you’re going to be on your feet all day in one of these shoes, make sure that you have some cushioning on the sole of your foot so that it doesn’t hurt too much after a while (and make sure not to wear socks with them).

Choose soft fabrics, such as cotton or fleece:

Soft fabrics, such as cotton and fleece, are ideal for summer clothing. They’re also great for winter wear because they keep you warm without making you sweat.

If you have allergies or are sensitive to wool, cotton is a good fabric choice because it doesn’t irritate your skin like other materials do.

Choose stretchy, flexible fabrics:

Stretchy fabrics are more comfortable because they allow you to move freely, and they’re more forgiving of body shape changes. They’re also less likely to cause pain or discomfort as you age, as well as more likely to be breathable and allow for better circulation.

If you want a specific example of this principle in action, look at yoga pants! They’re designed with stretchy materials so that they’ll be comfortable even when you bend down into all kinds of different poses during your workout.

Wear socks that provide extra cushioning and support:

It’s a good idea to wear socks that provide extra cushioning and support under your feet. Wearing socks that are too tight can cause blisters on the top of your foot, while wearing socks that are too loose can cause your feet to slide around in your shoes.

When shopping for new footwear, try on different sizes until you find ones that feel right for your foot size and shape by measuring from heel to toe before purchasing them (you should be able to cover this distance easily without taking off or putting on shoes).

Lastly, make sure that any athletic-style sneakers shoes have room at the back of their tongues so they don’t rub against sensitive areas like Achilles tendons when walking around all day long!

Wear loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move freely in them:

Loose-fitting clothes are more comfortable, easier to put on and take off, and don’t restrict movement. They also allow for extra layers to be added or removed as needed.

Dress in layers so you can adjust as needed throughout the day:

Layering is a great way to stay comfortable throughout the day. You can add or remove layers as needed, which means you can adjust your clothing to keep warm or cool, dry or dry.

If you have a long day of activities planned and don’t want to have to change into different clothes at each stop along the way, then layering is a good option for you. It helps keep your clothing clean too!

Consider a sleeveless dress shirt or top:

Sleeveless dresses and shirts are an alternative to traditional button-front shirts. They are easier to put on, especially for people with limited dexterity and strength in their hands. And unlike regular buttons, there’s no risk of losing a sleeve!

Sleeveless tops can be worn alone or layered over other clothing items like sweaters or jackets. This makes it easier to dress for cooler temperatures throughout the year–a significant benefit for boomers who may experience temperature fluctuations due to medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.

The right bra:

The right bra can help you look great and feel good. It will be comfortable and provide the support you need. A good fitting bra will also help prevent back pain, shoulder problems and other issues that can be caused by wearing an ill-fitting bra. If your breasts are sagging, it’s important for them to be supported so they don’t bounce around when walking or running.

You should replace your bras every six months or so depending on how often they’re worn (the more they’re used, the sooner they’ll wear out).

Conclusion

There are many ways to dress comfortably as we age. By paying attention to the details and choosing clothing that fits well, you can look good while feeling great while also maintaining your independence. If you have mobility problems, look for easy-on/off clothing with elastic waists or cuffs, zippers or hooks that allow for quick dressing without assistance. If you’re looking for something special but don’t want to worry about getting dressed in the morning, consider a sleeveless top or dress shirt instead of button-down shirts with buttons!

By Jim|2023-08-25T09:26:08-05:00August 25th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Common Skin Conditions Affecting the Elderly

No matter how well we take care of ourselves, advancing age eventually takes its toll – especially on our skin. Over time, the various components that make up our bodies gradually become less able to resist the onset of decay. The epidermis, which is the body’s largest organ, is no exception. As we age, it dries out, grows thinner, and becomes more vulnerable to disease. These naturally-occurring difficulties are compounded when an elderly patient is confined to a long-term care facility.

In some cases, a skin problem may indicate an underlying condition that has gone undetected. Skin conditions can also arise from problems in positioning for patients who are confined to a bed or a wheelchair for an extended period. Once the wound has been healed, the caregiver should make sure that its cause is determined and addressed, and nothing else is being overlooked.

While there are many possible skin disorders that can affect the epidermis of an elderly patient, not all of them will require treatment. Some do, however, and the following are a few of the more common conditions and their possible treatments.

Allergic Reactions

It has been estimated that approximately 5-10% of people 65 or older suffer from an allergic disease. In addition to those who suffer from allergies throughout their lives, some individuals only develop allergies once they reach an advanced age. Underlying medical conditions, memory issues, the use of several medications simultaneously, and overall poor health, can also contribute to the late appearance of an allergy problem in an elderly patient.

Prescription medications are often the culprit when a geriatric patient develops a systemic allergic reaction. Because of this, anyone who does have allergies should be asked about any recent new medications he or she may have begun taking. However, there are other potential causes, including exposure to detergents or mites. Allergic reactions can present in a wide array of symptoms, making it difficult to sometimes narrow down a specific cause.

Allergic reactions should always be treated with topical steroids for one to two weeks. The caregiver should also make sure that the cause of the reaction has been addressed.

Fungal Infections

The most common fungal infection, regardless of a patient’s age, is candidiasis, which is a yeast infection that tends to appear on occluded regions of the epidermis, such as in the folds of the skin or under dressings. It’s most dangerous to older patients and most transmittable to patients who are confined to bed or a wheelchair. In geriatric patients, candidiasis presents with chills, fever, pustular skin lesions, and in some cases, symptoms indicating sepsis.

Fortunately, candidiasis can be prevented by applying miconazole powder to at-risk patches of skin. When it does appear, it should be treated by applying clotrimazole or nystatin cream to the affected areas. If it becomes a recurring problem for patients, bowel eradication using nystatin pastilles should be considered. The provider should also be sure to check the patient for signs of retinal lesions, as many elderly patients suffer from cataracts.

Another common fungal problem is seborrheic dermatitis, which is caused by infection from a different type of yeast, malassezia furfur. It presents as red and scaly patches of skin typically found in areas where hair is present; particularly the head, neck, and chest. It can be treated with ketoconazole (nizoral) 2% shampoo or selenium sulfide 2.5% (Selsun Blue).

Staph and Strep infections

Staph and strep infections are also among the most common problems health professionals will face in patients at a long-term care facility. Studies have estimated that, at any given time, 30-40% of long-term care residents are experiencing a fungal infection.

A staph infection typically results when bacteria enter the epidermis through a sore or a cut (including in areas where a patient may be attached to a catheter or other medical device). The infection presents painfully as a red, swollen patch on the skin. This may be accompanied by pus drainage, a skin abscess, warmth in the area, and a fever as well. In more severe cases, patients may even experience shortness of breath, chills, chest pain, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and rashes.

When a geriatric patient is suffering from a staph or strep infection, it should first be treated with a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin (bactroban). If this does not cure the infection and it enters the surrounding tissue, a tissue culture should then be taken to determine what organism is causing the problem. Depending on the results, a systemic antibiotic – usually augmentin, bactrim, ciprofloxacin, or tetracycline – should be given to the patient.

By Jim|2023-07-31T12:47:31-05:00August 22nd, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: 5 Signs of Mental Health Issues for Seniors

When you’ve started to notice changes in an elderly relative, you may wonder if a mental health issue is the cause. While it is important a mental health professional diagnoses these issues, some signs exist indicating that the time has come to make an appointment.

Depression
Depression can occur for a host of reasons. Elderly individuals may be suffering from the loss of a loved one, or they may feel alienated, isolated or otherwise separated from their friends or from their interests outside of the house. Individuals who seem filled with sadness and negative emotions or who are hinting about emotional turmoil may need outpatient or inpatient treatment for depression.

Anxiety Issues/Bipolar Disorder
You may also notice that your loved ones are having heightened periods of elevation followed by periods of deep sadness. They could be suffering from bipolar disorder. Serious anxieties could begin to manifest at this age too. For example, you may notice that your elderly relatives always seem to be thinking about their own death or about expected loss of other loved ones.

Memory Loss
As people age, you may think that it is a normal occurrence for them to forget information that they would have once remembered. However, these early slips could be signs of a more serious problem that is coming into fruition. Your loved ones might now be forgetting about certain dates or social events, but these struggles could turn into failures to take medication or complete other necessary medical tasks.

Personal Care
If you notice that your loved ones are not taking care of themselves as they used to, this situation could also be a sign of mental health issues. For example, you may have noticed that your relatives are no longer brushing their teeth or bathing on a regular basis. Seeking professional help can uncover the root of the issue so that a plan of treatment can be devised.

Social Withdrawal
Your loved ones might also seem to not want to participate in social activities anymore. Whether they are constantly declining invites to attend family functions or they do not want to participate in community activities any longer, these decisions could be signs that a mental health issue is present.

As your loved ones age, you may be the lookout for physical health issues. While addressing these problems is imperative, so is watching for signs of mental health struggles. May is mental health awareness month, get involved to help bring awareness to this important cause!

By Jim|2023-07-31T12:46:32-05:00August 16th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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